In today's climate of children being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD for not being able
to pay attention, the skills acquired through mindfulness practice can be
critical for a child's success. For more information on how ADD/ADHD is
diagnosed and why boys are more likely to be diagnosed and to struggle in
school click here.

What Is Mindfulness?

Several common definitions for mindfulness exist.
Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as "paying attention
in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and
non-judgmentally." From another perspective, mindfulness is the process of
"bringing one's complete attention to the present Effective mindfulness
programs include breathing practices, awareness of emotion practices, an
awareness of sound practice, a loving-kindness practice, brief yoga or qi-gong
and a body scan.

Integration of classroom discussion about applications for mindfulness in daily
life complements this practice.

Learn positive ways of responding to stress
other than repression or acting out.

Learn how to respond rather than react to
difficult events.

Find calm and clarity through positive
techniques rather than through drugs.

Gain clarity of mind so that more conscious
choices can be made while learning to understand the consequences of
actions.

Gain a better understanding of the mind and
body through awareness-based classes that help youth live healthier lives.

Learn their new "ABC's" - attention,
balance, clarity and compassion.

How Does Light Way Teach
Mindfulness?

Effective mindfulness programs include the following activities all of which
bring us into the present moment:

Breathing practices

Awareness of emotion practice

An awareness of sound practice

A loving-kindness practice

Brief yoga or Qi Gong experience on a
"moment-to-moment" basis.

Body scan.

Integration of classroom
discussion about applications for mindfulness in daily life complements this
practice. Recorded meditations for each of the above elements can be found
at: http://www.marc.ucla.edu.

Compassionate Communication

Blame ourselves: We can accept the other
person's judgment and blame ourselves. "Oh, I should be more
considerate!" It's easy to take blame to avoid further conflict, but
this is at the expense of our self-esteem. It brings on feelings of guilt,
shame and depression. No light shining here!

Blame others: We fault the speaker.
"What? Selfish? How about you? I always try to think of you
first." This answer can increase anger in both the speaker and
listener. The conflict is likely to accelerate. No light here either.

Sense our own feelings and needs: "When I
hear you say that I am selfish, I am confused, because I need more
information about why you called me that." By focusing on our own
feelings we open the door to a richer conversation. It's beginning to shine.

Sense another's feelings and
needs: "Are you feeling frustrated because you want more
consideration of your needs?"